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Antique Chest Furniture

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Antique Georgian Style Burr Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique Georgian style burr walnut chest of drawers. This was made in England, it dates
Category

Vintage 1930s British Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Primitive American- Pennsylvania Antique Blanket Chest Bench circa 1800 s W Till
Located in Wilmington, DE
Primitive American- Pa Antique blanket chest bench circa 1800's w till Offered is a Primitive
Category

Antique 1860s North American Country Blanket Chests

Materials

Walnut

Antique Jacobean Oak Wood Figural Carved Blanket Chest Trunk on Bun Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Jacobean Oak Wood Figural Carved Blanket Chest Trunk on Bun Feet. Item features is a nice
Category

Early 20th Century Jacobean Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th Century Dutch Colonial East India Co Teak Brass VOC Chest 1740
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique 18th century Dutch Colonial Governor's teak & brass mounted ebonized chest, Dutch
Category

Antique 1740s Indonesian Dutch Colonial Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass

Japanese Antique Chests of Small Drawers , Wabi-Sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
This medicine chest from the Meiji period has 36 small drawers and is highly practical. It can be
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th-Century Solid Pine and Traditional Painted Austrian Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful trunk or blanket chest was made in Austria and is dated 1888. The brick red
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Blanket Chests

Materials

Steel

Antique French 19th Century Gothic Revival Blanket Chest Carved Oak forged iron
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Breathtaking & Practical! This 19th century French Gothic revival blanket chest / chest. Made out
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Blanket Chests

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Antique 3 Panel Mule Chest, English Oak, Storage Trunk, Georgian, C.1770
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
antique trunk, perfect for country homes, collectors of Georgian furniture, or those seeking quality
Category

Antique 1770s British Georgian Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass

Antique French, Louis XV Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
French Louis XV Oak commode with a beautiful wood grain. Four drawers that slide smoothly. The embossed drawer fronts and carved handles make this commode not only practical but also...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique Zanzibar Omani Teak Brass Studded Copper Clad Dowry Chest Trunk, 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique Zanzibar, Omani dowry chest, circa 1880. The chest having a hinged lid clad in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Omani Moorish Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass, Copper

Handsome English Antique Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning masculine English walnut chest of drawers having two small drawers at the top and 3 large
Category

Antique 19th Century Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Early 18th Century Warm Brown Paneled and Carved Oak Chest or Coffer
Located in Casteren, NL
A beautiful antique eight-panel English coffer or trunk, dating to the William III period in the
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English William and Mary Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Antique 19th Century Solid Pine and Traditional Painted Bohemian Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful trunk or blanket chest was made in the mountain area of Austria in the early 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Blanket Chests

Materials

Steel

Antique Bible Box, English, Oak, Chest On Stand, William Mary, Bespoke Frame
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique bible box. An English, oak chest on stand, dating to the 17th century and later
Category

Antique 1690s British William and Mary Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th century burl walnut chest of drawers
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Antique 18th century burl walnut chest of drawers on cross legs. In good condition. Beautiful warm
Category

Antique 1760s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Hepplewhite Dresser Chest of Drawers c. 1890
Located in Pomona, CA
A Hepplewhite mahogany Chest of 4 Drawers with boxwood inlay to each drawer. Wide grain
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Scandinavian Pine Baroque Folk Art Carved Dowry Chest Trunk Coffer 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A very good antique Scandinavian carved Baroque Folk Art dowry chest, Circa 1780. The chest having
Category

Antique 1780s Scandinavian Baroque Blanket Chests

Materials

Pine

Antique 18th C. English Georgian Quartersawn Oak Mule Dowry Chest Trunk Coffer
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 18th Century English George II Period Mule Dowry Chest / Trunk. The trunk is constructed from
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century George II Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Pair French Bedside Chests Antique Walnut Nightstands
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Pair of French Walnut Bedside Cabinets. These Cabinets Stand Upon Elegant Shaped Legs. One Cabinet Features 3 x oak Lined Drawers. The 2nd Cabinet Features 1 x Oak Lined Drawer and a...
Category

Vintage 1980s Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Stunning Antique Gothic Revival Hand Carved Elm Wood Blanket Chest / Trunk 1750
Located in Lisse, NL
this Gothic antique. This good size chest and talking piece stands perfectly strong and stable and
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Blanket Chests

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique english 18th century blacked or dark brown solid oak carved chest trunk
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful antique chest was crafted in England at the end of the 18th century. The chest is
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Faux Grain Painted Wood Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A wide antique two- drawer chest in a brown and black faux grain paint overall. The top has canted
Category

Antique 19th Century Folk Art Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique French Marble Top Bedside Chests
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique French marble top bedside chests. They were made in France and date from
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Antique French Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers with Siena Yellow Marble Top France, 1900 Add a
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique 17th century German Light Warm Oak Chest or Trunk with geometric panels
Located in Casteren, NL
This German oak chest from the 17th century is a fine example of early modern craftsmanship
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century German Renaissance Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Indian 18th Century Hand Carved Painted Coffer Linen Trunk or Chest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original
Category

Antique 1780s Indian George III Blanket Chests

Materials

Hardwood

Antique English Chest on Chest of Drawers Jacobean Tudor Carved Oak 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
HARD-TO-FIND Antique English Oak 18th Century Jacobean Chest on Chest~~Chest of Drawers~~Late 18th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Jacobean Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Oak

Antique Early 1900s Meiji Period Japanese Tansu Chest
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique Meiji period early 1900s Japanese Tansu chest with original hardware and working
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Antique Oak Iron Large Silver Chest Downton Abbey Highclere Castle C.F. Hancock
By C. F. Hancock
Located in Portland, OR
A rare mid 19th century antique oak & iron silver chest from Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), by
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Antique George IV Mahogany Wellington Chest 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A fine antique well proportioned flame mahogany George IV Wellington chest, in the manner of
Category

Antique 1830s George IV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Painted Tyrolean Chest Trunk in Solid Larch of the 18th Century
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Antique tyrolean chest trunk in solid larch of the 18th century decorated with hand painted
Category

Antique 1790s Italian Country Blanket Chests

Materials

Fir

Antique Anglo Indian Inlaid Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive antique Anglo Indian chest crafted in rosewood in a two piece construction featuring
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN MILITARY CAMPAiGN CHEST OF GRADUATED DRAWERS
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Antique Victorian Military Campaign Chest of Graduated
Category

20th Century British Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Queen Anne Carved Elm Childs Coffer Chest Dated Ex Christie s 1706
Located in Portland, OR
Antiques on May 27th 1999 in London, lot # 382. The chest made of solid elm and of diminutive size and is
Category

Antique Early 1700s English Queen Anne Blanket Chests

Materials

Elm

Victorian Dresser or Hall Stand Antique Storage Furniture Hand Carved Americana
Located in Rochester, NY
This hand crafted antique is in absolutely immaculate vintage condition. It’s not to be believed
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of ...

Materials

Mirror, Wood

1930s Japanese Antique Lacquer Sendai Tansu Clothing Chest
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1930s Japanese lacquer Sendai Tansu Chest of drawers. Looks to be solid pine construction with a
Category

Vintage 1930s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Iron

Antique English Georgian Mahogany Bachelor s Chest, Circa 1820
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Georgian Mahogany Bachelor's Chest, Circa 1820.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique William Mary English Black Oak Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
This antique William & Mary chest of drawers was hand-crafted from black oak wood in the 18th
Category

Antique 18th Century English William and Mary Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Brass

Italy 1850s Antique Traveling Trunk Chest in Solid Wood Polished to Wax
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian 1890s antique traveling trunk chest in solid wood restored and polished to wax Measures cm
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Country Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

Antique Louis XVI Style Painted Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Louis XVI style later painted chest of drawers, early 19th century. The case is early 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Dra...

Materials

Brass

Antique Late 18th-Century German Oak and Fruitwood Marquetry Trunk or Chest
Located in Casteren, NL
or chest was completely made in solid European summer oak. All four sides and lid were made from a
Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Blanket Chests

Materials

Steel

Antique Gustavian Style Chests of Drawers - a Pair
Located in South Salem, NY
An early 20th century pair of Swedish Gustavian style chests of drawers. Each commode has three
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique 19th Century German Solid Oak Dome Top Chest Trunk Coffer Box
Located in Casteren, NL
clearly visible and show great craftsmanship. The chest has a curved dome top fitted with a patinated
Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Blanket Chests

Materials

Brass, Steel

Early 18th Century Antique Carved Oak Marriage or Dowry Chest, Dated 1735
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A period 18th century flat top Danish Baroque dower chest or trunk in carved oak decorated with
Category

Antique 1730s Danish Baroque Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Coffer, Large, English Oak Chest, Early 18th Century Trunk, circa 1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique coffer, a large English oak chest or early 18th century trunk dating to circa
Category

Antique Early 18th Century English Queen Anne Blanket Chests

Materials

Oak

Antique Danish Painted Chest of Drawers in Antique White, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A distinctive early 19th-century Danish chest of drawers, painted in a soft antique white with warm
Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Antique English Mahogany Bow Front Chest, circa 1840
Located in New Orleans, LA
of the front. This practical piece of antique furniture has four full bottom drawers, with the top
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Specimen Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
A lovely little antique Victorian burr walnut specimen chest of drawers. This was made in England
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique British Campaign Cabinet Chest of Drawers 1901
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Gorgeous primitive British pine campaign 2 piece dresser chest set, circa 1900. Constructed of
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique Madura Hand Carved Wooden Blanket Chest with Red, Brown and Gilt Accents
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Indonesian floral carved wooden blanket chest from the 19th century, with red, brown and
Category

Antique 19th Century Indonesian Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

Antique French Empire Style Marquetry Inlay Chest Commode
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Style Marquetry Inlay Commode Chest of Drawers Gorgeous French Empire style
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Louis XV Style Marble Top Chest
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique French marble top chest. This was made in France and dates from around the 1950
Category

Vintage 1950s French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique oak chest of drawers, Northern Europe, circa 1890.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from the late 19th century. Furniture in very good condition, after
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scandinavian Other Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Antique chest of drawers, Northern Europe, year around 1850.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique chest of drawers from the mid-19th century, Northern Europe. The furniture is in very good
Category

Antique 1850s Scandinavian Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Walnut

Antique Wooden Tool Chest Storage Box Carved Initials Signed "T.J.B. "78"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Wooden Tool Chest Storage Box Carved Initials "T.J.B. "78". Item features dovetailed joints
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Primitive Blanket Chests

Materials

Wood

Antique Northern Swedish Classic Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique chest of drawers or commode from northern Sweden made in a classic straight gustavian shape
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Rare Genuine Antique Swedish Rococo Chest of Drawers
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare genuine antique Swedish rococo chest of drawers from northern Sweden. The chest is made by
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

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Antique Chest Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of antique chest furniture for your home. An item from our selection of antique chest furniture — often made from wood, mahogany and metal — can elevate any home. There are 3456 variations of the antique or vintage choice in our collection of antique chest furniture you’re looking for, while we also have 11 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for newer or older items, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. An object in our assortment of antique chest furniture made by Georgian designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — is very popular. A well-made option in this array of antique chest furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Gillows of Lancaster London, Biedermeier and Ken Petersen are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Chest Furniture?

The average selling price for a piece of antique chest furniture at 1stDibs is $2,957, while they’re typically $235 on the low end and $144,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Chest Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

    In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

    On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Lane Furniture does indeed make cedar chests. From 1912 to 1987, the American furniture company estimated it had sold around 12 million chests and that number continues to grow with today’s sales. Cedar chests are widely used to store clothing and linen because cedar wood is a natural repellent against moisture and moths. You can shop a collection of Lane cedar chests from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, antique furniture is in style. Many people appreciate the beauty and handcrafted character of antique furniture and love the idea of owning pieces with a rich history. Remember that style preferences are nothing if not fluid, meaning what's in one year may not be the next. So, in choosing the furniture you're planning to live with, you should pay less attention to interior design fads than to what speaks to you. That way, you can select pieces that will add long-term character to your home. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    To identify your antique furniture, look for an engraving, tag, label or other marking that indicates who produced it. You may find it on the bottom or back of your furniture or inside a drawer or cabinet. Once you have located the marking, you can snap a photo of it and use a reverse image search to try and identify the maker. Or, you can type a description of the mark into a search engine. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to get assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    A piece of furniture is considered an antique if it is at least 100 years old.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    To know if your furniture is antique, look for labels and markings that indicate the maker. From there, you can use trusted online resources to determine when they were active and examine images to try to estimate the age of your piece. Furniture produced 100 years ago or more is antique. You can also have your furniture assessed by an appraiser or antiques dealer to learn about its age. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Many antique furniture brands are popular. While trends in collecting do vary over time, some makers consistently remain highly sought after. Among them are J. J.W. Meeks, John Henry Belter, R. J. Horner and Co., Stickley Furniture, George Hepplewhite, Josef Dannhauser, Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Sheridan. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Antique furniture can be worth quite a lot, particularly if it is in good quality. The rarer the piece, the higher the value.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Whether antique furniture is making a comeback is a matter of opinion. Many people would argue that antique furniture never faded from fashion, as there have always been individuals who love the idea of owning pieces that have history. Some of the most popular styles for antique furniture include Art Deco, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival, Elizabethan, Gothic Revival, Victorian and Chippendale. Find a large collection of antique furniture from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date antique furniture from the UK, first look for identifying markings on the piece. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active. From there, you may be able to estimate the year of production by looking at images of other furniture the maker produced. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also aid you in the dating process. Find a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    There are a number of factors that can indicate if your antique furniture is valuable. When determining the value of antique furniture, consider its rarity. Additionally, it is important to determine the quality and condition of vintage furniture. If unsure of the value of your vintage furniture, have it appraised.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell who made your antique furniture, seek out a maker's marking. Locations of these marks vary, but they are generally in an inconspicuous location. For example, a dresser may have the mark inside a drawer or on the back, while a hallmark on a table is often on a leg or under the tabletop. Once you locate a mark, you can use trusted online resources to identify the maker and learn more about them. If you can't find a marking on your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can assist you with the identification process. Explore a large selection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
    To tell antique furniture from reproduction, first check for a maker's mark. By researching the maker associated with the marking using trusted online resources, you can determine when they were active. If the company was in business 100 years ago or more, your piece may be an antique, but if the company's history began more recently, your piece is likely a reproduction. If you can't locate a marking, study the details of the furniture up close. Genuine antiques will often show tool marks and slight variations in carved details because they were typically handcrafted. Most contemporary furniture is machine-made, so you won't usually see these types of characteristics. When in doubt, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your furniture. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    How old furniture that is called antique can be is typically at least 100 years. People usually call furniture between 20 and 99 years old vintage. Contemporary is the word for furniture manufactured within the last 20 years. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture from some of the world's top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The best finish for antique furniture is a matter of liking. But film finish is recommended by experts as it leaves a thick coat of film on the wood surface which protects wood from water and scratches. Shellac or varnish and water base are commonly used film finishes. Find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage furniture on 1stDibs
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell how old your antique furniture is, research the maker using trusted online resources. You may find that the furniture maker was active for only a short period, giving you the ability to roughly estimate its age. For manufacturers and designers with a long history of production, consider the style of your furniture and look for images of similar pieces published online. Because it may be difficult to date furniture on your own, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell what your antique furniture is worth, look at sales histories on trusted online platforms and read valuation guides posted on trusted online resources. The maker, type, style, age and condition of your furniture will impact its value. Researching furniture produced by the same maker is a good starting point. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also aid you in the valuation process. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

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Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

What Exactly Is a Secretary Desk, and What Is It Used For?

The furniture equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, it's the multifunctional piece you didn't know you needed.

This Shelving System with Oxidized Brass Tubes Is Retro and Futuristic at Once

Italian studio DimoreMilano mustered great ingenuity when crafting these sculptural shelves, which are built without any screws.

Ask an Interior Designer: Work-from-Home Edition

Leaping into a design project, whether it's refreshing the bedroom or redoing the whole house, can be overwhelming. Luckily, we know more than a few interior designers. You asked questions on Instagram, and now they're answering.

Collected and Eclectic, ‘Wunderkammern’ Are Back in a Big Way

Introduced nearly 500 years ago, curiosity cabinets are finding new fans among today's collectors and designers.

Meet the Incredible Woman Transforming Fallen Trees into Sleek Furniture

In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.

These New York Architects Love a Complicated Project

From Brooklyn townhouses to Maine campgrounds, Trattie Davies and Jonathan Toews relish a challenge, like transforming a former warehouse space into the new 1stdibs Gallery.